Thesis Abstract

<p>                 <b>ABSTARCT&nbsp;</b><br></p><p> Automall simply refers to a shopping specially designed for cars and its buyers, planned as a unified whole to create an avenue for buyers or those who dream of owning a car to enjoy such friendly environment. Its friendly environment offers not only high standard of commercial activities, and extra amenities, but special natural or manmade environment for such experience. The layout pattern of the auto mall’s internal spaces and its relationship towards illuminating such spaces go a long way to improving the shopping experience of the users that aids profit of the developer. The basic challenge in the design of an automall is the harmonious resolution between the architecture of the automall, its environment, circulation of users, and the proper illumination of the desired spaces. These challenges, associated with the design of the automall were carefully talked about in this thesis, through the introduction of daylighting features, orientation of the building, use of various illuminating surfaces and the sustainability of the building. The result of designing this automall and maximizing the solar energy by using the various daylighting principles and methods includes the creation of a conducive atmosphere. This atmosphere, in harmony with the natural environment, makes it possible in increasing working efficiency amongst staff, attracting more customers, improving sales, all as a result of using daylighting features and materials friendly to it. <br></p>

Thesis Overview

<p> <b>1.1 INTRODUCTION&nbsp;</b></p><p>In our world, the awareness for sustainable environment has become the order of the day as a result of man’s inability to draw a deuce between its activity and that of nature. Our quest for such environment without considering fully the importance of sunlight would be described as putting the cart before the horse. The sky’s Illuminating effect which could be traced from the nuclear reaction taking place in the sun is believed to deliver so much unimaginable amount of valuable energy to the earth (David,2010) That, in greatly simplified terms, is the "nuclear fusion" process which still takes place inside the Sun. Different nuclear reactions may predominate at different stages of the Sun's existence, including the proton-proton reaction and the carbon-nitrogen cycle which involves heavier nuclei, but whose final product is still the combination of protons to form helium.1 Instead, man’s behaviour towards acknowledging such gift of nature, has resulted to him generating CO2 which has been known today to have altered the equilibrium that once existed between man’s environment and that of nature. Consequences of such alteration includes global warming, melting of the arctic cold regions, climate change, etc. <br></p><p> According to (Wish, 2009), this shows that architecture contributes to the exacerbating effects by not maximizing the energy from sun to curb the CO2 emission. Therefore tools in the sustainable design should be introduced in harnessing such energy from the sun because it will do mankind a great good in having a better place in a complicated world of ours. <br></p><p> <b>1.1 BACKGROUND OF STUDY</b></p><p>Prior to the invention of electric light , and for a good while after that too, designing buildings so that daylight could enter interior spaces was a a huge necessity . Despite a long history of using daylighting as a design strategy, building owners, architects, engineers and lighting designers are only just beginning to understand how to use it effectively. The problem being the incredible amount of energy in sunlight. On a clear day, the sun provides 8,000 to 10,000 foot-candles of light (Kozlowski,2006). Even through the glass, it provides 5,000 foot-candles on a clear day and 1,000 foot-candles on a cloudy day(Kozlowski,2006). Most people need a mere 35 foot-candles to read. Compounding the problem is sunlight is as much heat as visible light. The sunlight that pours through a typical 4-by-8-foot window section in an afternoon can heat 15 to 30 gallons of water to a temperature hot enough to take a shower. A good daylighting design can save up to 75 percent of the energy used for electric lighting in a building.&nbsp;<br></p><p> The amount of daylight available, the occupancy pattern, and the control strategy can all affect energy savings. In addition, because significant daylight is often available during utility peak demand hours, a good daylighting design can reduce demand charges. Electric lights also generate significant heat in a building and by turning off or dimming the lights when not needed, 10 to 20 percent of the energy used to cool a building can be saved (Kozlowski,2006). Natural daylight is an inexpensive and very efficient light source, provided that the amount of daylight entering a building is controlled according to demand. In commercial buildings, electricity for lighting can be cut by 50-75% (Kozlowski, 2006) using daylighting design techniques in combination with efficient artificial lighting which we lack its stability in our country Nigeria. <br></p><p>&nbsp;<b>1.1.1 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ABUJA (<i>LOCATION OF PROJECT)</i></b></p><p>Nigeria, popularly known in Africa has Abuja as its capital territory. A city located in the middle of the country has a land area of 8,000 square kilometres, which is two and halftimes the size of Lagos, the former capital of Nigeria. Abuja also known as FCT (Federal Capital Territory) is bounded on the north by Kaduna State, on the west by Niger State, on the east and south-east by Plateau State, and on the south-west by Kogi State. It falls within latitude 7° 25' N and 9° 20° North of the Equator and longitude 5° 45' and 7° 39'. Abuja is in tune with nature with abundant hills, highlands and other distinguishing features that make it a delight to behold. A scene that cannot be missed about Abuja is the coming together of the Savannah grassland of the north and the middle belt with the richness of the tropical rain forests of the south. Introduction of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) on 5th February 1976 with Decree No 6. Of 1976 charged it with the responsibility for planning and designing the FCT. The directive of Government to that effect made huge amount of innovated development to come to stay in Abuja. Currently more infrastructure development in the FCT has been as a result of government’s effort in realising their vision 2020 dream. <br></p><p> <i><b>The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), in its bid to realize its aspiration of developing a world-class federal capital city (FCC), intends to partner with the private sector for the provision of public infrastructure in all sectors of the FCT development on the basis of&nbsp; Public Private Partnership (PPP) framework. This objective is in tandem with the focus of the current administration for massive infrastructure development of the FCC as well as the recent launch of the Vision 20- 2020 document whose main policy thrust is sustainable infrastructure development through the PPP initiative.3&nbsp;</b></i></p><p> A dream which they believe will make Nigeria the business hub in Africa. As a result of such dream many projects have started to erupt which are evident on ground that Abuja definitely is trying to set the standard in the country and a place Nigerians would be proud to identify with. In so doing, the city is becoming modern due to the provision of basic, modern infrastructure and buildings that are contemporary. In realizing aforementioned dream, such projects to actualize that include:&nbsp;</p><p>ï‚· The ongoing construction of the millennium tower in Abuja.&nbsp;</p><p>ï‚· Abuja Film village International&nbsp;</p><p>ï‚· Abuja light Rail Transport&nbsp;</p><p>ï‚· Abuja Downtown Mall, commercial Retail.&nbsp;</p><p>ï‚· Abuja International Peace Park.&nbsp;</p><p>ï‚· Heritage City (Phase 1-African style Theme park)&nbsp;</p><p>ï‚· Abuja Gate way According to one of Nigerian daily newspapers,.</p><p> Automall which could be similar to a shopping mall does not existence in Abuja and in Nigeria generally. The need for such in a city whose passion to boost its image is obvious would achieve a lot in the area of fund generation, place of tourists attraction, place for relaxation and a structure to compliment the Governments effort of making Nigeria a hub in the African economy. In addition to that structure adding positive beauty, its value to the environment will go a long way of joining in the human race for green architecture.&nbsp;</p><p><b>1.2 STATEMENT OF PROBLEM</b></p><p>Daylighting is among the major problems in commercial building when not properly used in such building. Developed countries having seen the numerous advantage of careful utilization of such daylight, now maximize its use. The research will be faced with developing ways of maximizing daylight distribution within spaces other than exhibition spaces devoid of mechanical strategies.</p><p> The architectural design will be faced with the challenge of transforming the research data and models into a workable design configuration suitable for not just exhibition spaces but also for spaces that require light for its existence. The study should transform into a design that ought to encourage alternative ways of making more use of daylight since our Nigeria lacks the steady supply of the artificial one.&nbsp;</p><p><b>1.3 AIM OF STUDY</b></p><p>The aim of the study is to develop ways that will assist in encouraging the use of daylighting features other than the artificial one which have been noted to contribute negatively to the environment and that of the economy. Also it is poised to bring to the consciousness of the Nigerian populace the study of the subject matter, its enormous importance/advantages in buildings and the positive effect it has in the environment.&nbsp;</p><p><b>1.4 OBJECTIVES OF STUDY</b></p><p>In accordance with the architectural problem attached, its objective entails;&nbsp;</p><p>ï‚· To study and understand sustainable daylighting features in the world.&nbsp;</p><p>ï‚· To look into the principles in daylighting and maximize its advantages.&nbsp;</p><p>ï‚· To assist in the drive to reduce the dependency on artificial lighting in spaces.&nbsp;</p><p> ï‚· To create conducive environment for shoppers who wish to own their own cars.&nbsp;</p><p>ï‚· To create an environment good enough to accommodate the specified function.&nbsp;</p><p>ï‚· To assist in the drive to reduce the dependency on artificial lighting in spaces.&nbsp;</p><p>ï‚· To create a centre or place where people could go with families, friends, relations, business partners, etc to relax after a hard-day’s work.&nbsp;</p><p>ï‚· To create a place where individual would have the opportunity to shop for original car spare parts and service already owned ones.&nbsp;</p><p>ï‚· To assist the government in its effort of boosting the image of Abuja and Nigeria as a whole in the area of building contemporary structures which would attract tourists and at the same time revenue to government.&nbsp;</p><p>ï‚· To help in assisting prospective car owner in getting quality value for their money.&nbsp;</p><p><b>1.5 SIGNIFICANCE&nbsp;OF STUDY</b></p><p>The essence of the research work is to promote and contribute to the ways of harnessing the advantages of daylighting in exhibition spaces with special reference to automall. The study also seeks to promote sustainable means in lighting up spaces while considering the internal comfort. In addition the study looks critically at daylighting as effective way of reducing dependency on artificial lighting which will be beneficial in channelling the saved energy towards areas that require it most during the day&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p> <b>1.6 DEFINITION OF TERM</b></p><p><b><i>Exhibition Spaces:</i></b> Daylighting could be referred to as the light received from the sun and the sky, which varies throughout the day, as modified by the seasons and the weather. Also it could be defined as the controlled admission of natural light into a space through windows to reduce or eliminate electric lighting by providing a direct link to the dynamic and perpetually evolving patterns of outdoor illumination. Daylighting helps create a visually stimulating and productive environment for building occupants, while reducing as much as onethird of total building energy costs. Similarly, it could mean the practice of placing windows or other openings and reflective surfaces so that during the day natural light provides effective internal lighting.&nbsp;</p><p><b><i>.Exhibition Spaces:</i></b> These are spaces usually for general public display or presentation of commercial products, industrial systems, services and other activities. Usually it has big volumes which accommodate a huge number of people at the same time. Also an exhibition space could also be referred to as a space for organized presentation and display of a selection of items. In practice, exhibitions usually occur within museums, galleries and exhibition halls. Exhibitions include (whatever as in major art museums and small art galleries; interpretive exhibitions, as at natural history museums and history museums, for example; and commercial exhibitions, or trade fairs.&nbsp;</p><p><b><i>Automall :</i></b> It is like a shopping mall but for cars, each dealer is connected, creating a structure that is all under one roof. Typically they are smaller than parks and may only have one actual owner with several franchises.&nbsp;</p><p><b><i>Auto parks:</i></b> These are master-planned developments that provide consumers with a pleasing array of freestanding dealership buildings arranged in immediate proximity to each other. <br></p>